Evaluation of Yield and Yield Related Attributes of Potato (solanum tuberosum L.) Varieties in East Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

In Ethiopia, a number of improved potato varieties have been released by different research centers; with much emphasis for productivity, while it has been given less or no emphasis to adaptability to different agro ecologies and resistance against late blight resistance. Therefore, field experiments at Debre Markos university and Abazash nursery site and laboratory experiments at Debre Markos university were conducted to evaluate yield, yield component and tuber qualities of five released varieties (Belete, Bubu, Gudenie, Gera and Jalenie) and one local cultivar (Demmie) for two consecutive years. The experiment was laid out as a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. quality attributes were studied in laboratory using standard procedure. The results revealed that the highest significant different has been recorded for most of traits. On the basis of overall means, the highest total yield (51.2t/ha), marketable tuber yield (46.69t/ha), average tuber weight (99.85gm), large sized tuber number (48.71%), large sized tuber weight (77.52%), were observed for Belete variety. The highest marketable tuber number (87.62%) and unmarketable tuber weight (4.08t/ha) were observed for gera variety. The highest unmarketable tuber number (45.5%), small tuber number (56.03%), small sized tuber weight (28.291%) were observed for farmers’ local cultivar Demmie. The highest medium sized tuber number (37.173%) and medium sized tuber weight (42.197%) were observed for bubu varieties. Jalene are highly affected by late blight disease.  In conclusion, the result of the study reviled that the variety and growing environment has a great influence on yield and yield components and quality of potato This study suggested that the importance of testing varietiesacross location to recommend varieties for specific end uses.

Keywords: Irish potato, Varieties, Location, Yield and Yield Attributes